Tiny Quartz Crystals Empower Medical Implant Applications

Euroquartz announced three new ranges of ultra-miniature quartz crystals from Statek that are designed for use in medical-implantable wireless RF transceiver applications using Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) or Medical Implant Communications Service (MICS) specifications.

The CX16, CX18 and CX20 series are ultra-miniature devices operating in the 16MHz and above frequency range requested by BLE transceiver ICs.

The low profile CX16 AT quartz crystal measuring 2.0 x 1.2mm and just 0.43mm high is ideal for medical applications where miniaturisation is paramount.

Medical applications include medical telemetry, pacemakers, defibrillators, neurostimulators, infusion pumps and cochlear implants. Additional characteristics include high shock and vibration survival with full military testing also available for defence and aerospace applications.

Offering frequencies from 24 to 50MHz, the CX16’s resonator leverages photolithographic and chemical milling processes then sealed in a ceramic package for high stability and low ageing, says the manufacturer.

CX16 crystals are available with tight calibration tolerances and high stability over temperature plus fast start-up times.

The CX18 series is still smaller measuring 1.6 x 1 x 0.38mm and offering frequencies from 30 to 50MHz. Weighing just 1.8 milligrams, the CX18 series is suited to similar medical applications as the CX16. Other applications include military and aerospace applications such as missile telemetry, ruggedised communications, aircraft electronics and smart munitions with full military screening available.

CX18 series is also suitable for a range of industrial and communications applications such as bio-tracking, process control and portable instrumentation.

The CX20 telemetry crystals have footprint of 2.5mm x 1.2mm and height of 0.5mm with frequency range from 16 to 50MHz. Applications include ultra-low power wireless communications, implantable transceivers for medical sector with smart munitions, guidance and navigation and communications in military and defence. These crystals can also be used in industrial communications, transmitters, pulse generators, tracking beacons and wildlife telemetry.

All three ranges are available with commercial (-10 to +70°C), industrial (-40 to +80°C) and military (-55 to +125°C) operating temperature ranges with packaging options of tray pack and 12mm tape and reel (8mm for CX16).